October 18, 2005 — Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) 19th Annual Conference
OVAE's Acting Assistant Secretary Beto Gonzalez will be addressing the 19th Annual HACU conference on October 18. The conference, titled "Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success: Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders," will be attended by representatives from HACU's 450 member colleges and universities from across the US and abroad. The Acting Assistant Secretary will address the educational issues that face Hispanics today and discuss better practices to improve higher education access and success for Hispanic students.

October 26, 2005 — U.S.-Mexico Binational Commission Meeting/Education Working Group Meeting
OVAE's Acting Assistant Secretary Beto Gonzalez will be participating in both the Binational Commission (BNC) Meeting and the Education Working Group on October 26, 2005. Created in 1981, the U.S.-Mexico Binational Commission is the primary mechanism for U.S.-Mexico cooperation and provides a forum for Cabinet-level discussions on a wide range of topics. Due to the number of topics addressed, the BNC framework includes a number of working groups, including one on education that is chaired by the Secretary of Education from each country and provides an opportunity to review joint activities, proposed cooperation, and outstanding issues.

October 26, 2005 — 2005 National FFA Conference
The FFA will be hosting its 2005 national conference in Louisville, Kentucky, on October 26, and OVAE's Acting Assistant Secretary Beto Gonzalez will be delivering the keynote address from the U.S. Department of Education. The FFA supports the preparation for more than 300 careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture through the development of character and occupational skills.

October 26-29, 2005 — ProLiteracy Worldwide 2005 Conference
OVAE's Division of Adult Education and Literacy director, Cheryl L. Keenan, will present the keynote address on the Office of Vocational and Adult Education's initiatives and programs at this major volunteer organization conference on October 26-29 in Tucson, Arizona. Key topics include linking research to practice, innovative practices in literacy and adult education, program improvement and accountability, and serving the needs of limited English proficient adults. Approximately 800 administrators, teachers, volunteers, and other professionals involved in literacy programs will participate.

November 29, 2005 — OVAE's Adult Education/Community College Working Group
The Working Group will be held on Tuesday, November 29, 2005, at the Marriott Metro Center. The focus of this working group will be transitions from adult education into the community college. Presenters will share programs that work and state policy issues that were adopted to improve the readiness of workers for jobs in the 21st century and highlight foundation support for improving adult education transitions. Community college presidents will be invited to focus on these issues as they affect their institutions.

The Division of Adult Education and Literacy will conduct a targeted monitoring and technical assistance visit in New York. The team will focus on Financial Status Reports, management and accountability issues, maintenance of effort, and the Corrective Action Plan. They will also discuss implementation of the BEST Plus language assessment tool; an individual student record-keeping system; and a standardized follow-up survey instrument and methodology to be used by all providers. Visits to local adult education programs are planned.

The Division of Adult Education and Literacy will conduct a targeted monitoring and technical assistance visit in Vermont. The team will focus on accountability, program evaluation, and instructional delivery models. Coordination and delivery of services and the National Reporting System requirements will also be discussed. Visits to local adult education programs are planned.

The Division of Adult Education and Literacy will conduct a full monitoring and technical assistance visit in New Jersey. The team will discuss the student reporting system, assessment policy, and methodologies to determine core program outcomes, and the National Reporting System. Visits to local adult education programs are planned.

The Division of Adult Education and Literacy will conduct a full monitoring and technical assistance visit in New Mexico. The team will focus on administration, accountability, performance data, and quality of services. Visits to local adult education programs are planned.